Category: Science

Science, Space, STEM

Red Rover: Curiosity on Mars By Richard Ho

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Back of Book:
Mars has a visitor It likes to roam…observe…measure and collect. It explores the red landscape crossing plains, climbing hills,
and tracing the bottoms of craters―in search of water
and life. It is not the first to visit Mars. It will not be the last. But it might be the most curious.
My Review
I received a copy of this picture book from Roaring Brook Press in exchange for an honest review.
The planet Mars still holds many mysteries about the condition of the planet.” Red Rover Curiosity On Mars” makes readers feel like they are on the planet roaming around with Red Rover. The book shows readers the different jobs that Curiosity has including tracing, measuring, and collecting parts of craters. The story also tells readers about the different guests that came before Curiosity. The whimsical text by Richard Ho is written from the perspective of the planet and draws readers deeper into the world of Mars. I loved the figurative language that he used throughout the story. The illustrations by Katherine Roy are nothing short of breathtaking.! She brought the planet and Curiosity to life.   The back of the book is filled with amazing extras including the anatomy of Curiosity, and extra information about the rover. There is also extra information about previous probes and satellites that were sent to Mars before Curiosity. Finally, there is a page that discusses Mars at a glance. This is a wonderful story to share with readers of all ages. My students were amazed by the fact that a new rover is set to visit Mars in 2020. This is a must-have for all elementary classroom,  and school libraries.
Ages 6 and up
44 Pages

Science, Space

Go for the Moon: A Rocket, a Boy, and the First Moon Landing by Chris Gall

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Back of Book:
The Apollo 11 astronauts have prepared carefully for their attempt to be the first men to land on the moon. The young narrator of this book has prepared carefully, too: he explains the design of the spacecraft, the flight from the earth to the moon, and the drama of touching down–while shadowing the astronaut’s voyage with one of his own.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Roaring Brook Press in exchange for an honest review.
This book follows the authors real-life story of watching man step onto the moon for the first time. The text is a fantastic blend of history and science. It captures the emotions of the first moon landing while covering STEAM topics in an exciting way. Chris described every detail in a way that allows readers to feel like they are experiencing this huge event with him. The story also focuses on Chris’s personal life as he creates and builds his own rocket. The illustrations bring the story to life with bright and vivid images. I was amazed at the detail within each picture. The back of the book has a note from the author about how the moon landing forever changed him. The back of the book also has a page of fun facts and a glossary of the terms used throughout the book.
This is a perfect book to share in the celebration of the Apollo 11 anniversary. I highly recommend this book.
Ages 6 and up
48 Pages

Bugs and Insects, Science

Moth by Isabel Thomas

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Back of Book:
Powerful and visually spectacular, Moth is the remarkable evolution story that captures the struggle of animal survival against the background of an evolving human world.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Bloomsbury Press in exchange for an honest review.
I was absolutely captivated by this stunning lyrical story that opens readers eyes to the evolution of Moths. The story follows the Peppered Moth and the Black Moth as they live and adapt to their environments. Readers see how pollution change allowed the Peppered Moths to slowly disappear.
The text beautifully introduces readers to the concept of Natural Selection in a way that is not heavy or dry. Instead, they recognize how they can better protect their environment.
The illustrations are a perfect blend of bright colors and dark shadows. Daniel Egneus creatively portrayed the moths within their natural habitat
This is a must have for any biology or insect study.
Ages 5 and up
40 Pages

Science, STEM, Uncategorized

Cece Loves Science and Adventure by Kimberly Derting & Shelli R. Johannes

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Back of Book:
Cece loves being an Adventure Girl almost as much as she loves science, which is why she can’t wait for her troop’s camping trip. Nature is full of science for Cece to explore!
Along with her friends, her mom, and her dog, Einstein, Cece learns how to pitch a tent, set up a campsite, and document landmarks on the trail. Then thunder booms in the distance! Working together, the girls use meteorology and math to determine the location of the storm; engineering to build a shelter, and technology and math to calculate the length of the trek back to the campsite. After all that teamwork, Cece’s mom gives them an Adventure Girl surprise!
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Greenwillow books publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I was thrilled when I found out that Cece was going to be in another story. I loved the balance of science and fun that the first story had.
This is a fantastic continuation story about Cece. It follows her and her friends as they travel to the woods for a camping adventure. The story teaches readers about several outdoor scientific things such as the different types of clouds, and how to navigate without a map. The end of the story shows the importance of teamwork and friendship. The illustrations by Vashti Harrison are bright and detailed. I love the scientific details l that she placed in each illustration. The back of the book has a glossary of Cece’s scientific facts and illustrations. This is a terrific diverse picture book that showcases girls learning and enjoying science.
Ages 5 and up
40 Pages

Science, Space

Moon’s First Friend Susanna Leonard Hill

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Back of Book:
From high up in the sky, the Moon has spent her whole life watching Earth and hoping for someone to visit. Dinosaurs roam, pyramids are built, and boats are made, but still, no one comes. Will friends ever come to visit her?
Commemorate the extraordinary Apollo 11 spaceflight mission with this heartwarming story of the Moon who just wants a friend.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Source Books Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
This book is out just in time for the Apollo 11 moon landing and is a perfect addition to any space unit.
I love that this picture book is unique in that it is written from the perspective of the moon. The moon is the queen of the night sky, but it doesn’t stop her from being extremely lonely. She looks down on earth and wishes that someone would come and visit her. The book goes through a progression of time that showcases popular periods and eras. Finally, man makes it to the moon. This story is the perfect blend of history and fun. It teaches readers about the moon landing in a whimsical and engaging way. The illustrations by Elisa Paganelli are bright and cheerful. They perfectly capture the friendly moon. The back of the book is filled with interesting facts about the moon, the Apollo 11 Voyage, and the rocket that took them there. The book also includes a QR code that can be scanned so readers can hear Neil Armstrong’s voice.
This is a great story and one that will be enjoyed over and over again.
Ages 5 and up
40 Pages

Biography, Science, Space

The Astronaut Who Painted the Moon: The True Story of Alan Bean By Dean Robbins

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Back of Book:
As a boy, Alan wanted to fly planes. As a young Navy pilot, Alan wished he could paint the view from the cockpit. So he took an art class to learn patterns and forms. But no class could prepare him for the beauty of the lunar surface some 240,000 miles from Earth. In 1969, Alan became the fourth man and first artist on the moon. He took dozens of pictures, but none compared to what he saw through his artistic eyes. When he returned to Earth, he began to paint what he saw. Alan’s paintings allowed humanity to experience what it truly felt like to walk on the moon.
My Review:
I was sent this picture book from Orchard Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
This picture book is out just in time to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Appolo moon mission. It focuses on the life of Alan Bean who was the fourth man to walk on the moon.
The story follows Alan from his job as a Navy pilot to his journey into space. Along the way, Alan began to dabble with paint and color. His dream was to capture the moon landing in all its glory. He wanted others to see the beauty the way he saw it. He tried to capture the colors so that others could experience it the way he had. The more he painted, the brighter the colors became. A museum displayed his paintings for everyone to see. I love the way author Dean Robbins captures the passion and determination of Alan Bean. The narrative is informational and engaging. It opens readers eyes to the history of the moon landing while incorporating stunning art. The illustrations by Sean Rubin are detailed and bright. I love the combination of real photos and illustrations. It allows readers to see both perspectives of the moon. The back of the book has a detailed note from the author about the life of Alan Beat. It also has a timeline and photos from the moon landing. This is a perfect nonfiction addition for any space or STEM unit.

Ages 6 and up
40 Pages

Science, Space

Nova the Star Eater by Lindsay Leslie

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Back of Book:
Nova has a big appetite for stars, so when she decides to gobble up Earth’s Sun, panic erupts around the globe. Earth needs its Sun to survive! How will it get it back from Nova? One bright little girl just might have a solution.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Page Street Kids in exchange for an honest review.
I have enjoyed the variety of kidlit books that have come out this year to celebrate the moon landing and all things space related. Nova the Star Eater is unique to this list in that it looks at what would happen to the Earth if the sun disappeared.
Nova the star-eater is busy zooming around space gobbling everything tasty in its path. Suddenly, she swallows the sun and chaos erupts. It takes a children’s perspective to save the world and return the sun to its place in the sky. I love that this story combines fun and humorous concept with true information about all things space related. I also love the message that children often have the best ideas. The illustrations by John Taesoo Kim are bright and lifelike. The back of the book has more information about the sun as well as a glossary of the scientific words used throughout the text. This book is an excellent addition to any space unit!
Ages 5 and up
32 pages

Biography, Science, Space

The Girl Who Named Pluto: The Story of Venetia Burney By Alice B. McGinty

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Back of Book:
When Venetia Burney’s grandfather reads aloud from the newspaper about a new discovery–a “ninth major planet” that has yet to be named–her eleven-year-old mind starts whirring. She is studying the planets in school and loves Roman mythology. “It might be called Pluto,” she says, thinking of the dark underworld. Grandfather loves the idea and contacts his friend at London’s Royal Astronomical Society, who writes to scientists at the Lowell Observatory in Massachusetts, where Pluto was discovered. After a vote, the scientists agree unanimously: Pluto is the perfect name for the dark, cold planet.
My Review:
I received a copy of this picture book from Schwartz & Wade Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I have always been intrigued by the planet, Pluto and was so excited that a book had been written about the young girl who named the far away planet. The story begins with Venetia going on a star walk with her class. Even as a young girl, Venetia was fascinated by the concepts of space and planets. When she heard from her grandfather that a newly discovered planet needed a name she looked into history for inspiration. Venetia would go on to become a math teacher and inspire young girls to dream big. Near the end of her life, Venetia would be able to view the planet through a telescope that she had named. The illustrations by Elizabeth Haidle are skillfully created. The expressions on Venetia’s face as she is waiting to hear if they like her name choice are my favorite!
The back of the book has more information about Venetia and the planet Pluto. This is a brilliant nonfiction biography that focuses on the importance of women in the world of math and science. A great book for any STEM unit.
Ages 5 and up
40 Pages

Science, Space

If You Had Your Birthday Party on the Moon by Joyce Lapin

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Back of Book:
Have your birthday party on the moon and everyone will come! After all, who wouldn’t want to ride in a rocket and celebrate for a day that lasts as long as a month on Earth? Then, young partygoers could romp in a low-gravity playground; watch candles and balloons behave weirdly in the Moon’s atmosphere; and see why the “moon angels” they make in the thick carpet of lunar dust will last for thousands of years. With each discovery, kids learn the science behind the surprise, explained in terms they’ll understand.

My Review:

I received a copy of this picture book from Sterling Book Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I am so excited that the kidlit world is publishing so many well-written books about the moon. “If you Had Your Birthday Party on the Moon” is a perfect blend of nonfiction information and fun imagination.
Readers get a glimpse into what it would be like to spend time in space. Joyce Lapin weaved in all of the birthday activities that children love to do. Including bouncing, playing games, and exploring. Readers will relate to the experiences that the children in the story are having. I loved that there are text boxes scattered throughout the story that have neat scientific facts and tidbits about the moon. It gives readers a deeper understanding of the unique aspects that make the moon so fascinating.
The illustrations by Simona Ceccarelli are filled with bright images that allow readers to feel like they are in space with the children in the story. The back of the book has a terrific glossary as well as suggestions for further reading. I loved sharing this book in my classroom. It was a perfect read aloud for my science unit. I also used the topic for a writing workshop afterward. I highly recommend this story for the classroom and school libraries.
Ages 5 and up
40 Pages

Science, Space

If You Had Your Birthday Party on the Moon By Joyce Lapin

picturebooks4learning

61OJv8LZWDL._SX416_BO1,204,203,200_

Back of Book:
Have your birthday party on the moon and everyone will come! After all, who wouldn’t want to ride in a rocket and celebrate for a day that lasts as long as a month on Earth? Then, young partygoers could romp in a low-gravity playground; watch candles and balloons behave weirdly in the Moon’s atmosphere; and see why the “moon angels” they make in the thick carpet of lunar dust will last for thousands of years. With each discovery, kids learn the science behind the surprise, explained in terms they’ll understand.

My Review:

I received a copy of this picture book from Sterling Book Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I am so excited that the kidlit world is publishing so many well-written books about the moon. “If you Had Your Birthday Party on the Moon” is a perfect blend of nonfiction information and fun imagination.
Readers get a glimpse into what it would be like to spend time in space. Joyce Lapin weaved in all of the birthday activities that children love to do. Including bouncing, playing games, and exploring. Readers will relate to the experiences that the children in the story are having. I loved that there are text boxes scattered throughout the story that have neat scientific facts and tidbits about the moon. It gives readers a deeper understanding of the unique aspects that make the moon so fascinating.
The illustrations by Simona Ceccarelli are filled with bright images that allow readers to feel like they are in space with the children in the story. The back of the book has a terrific glossary as well as suggestions for further reading. I loved sharing this book in my classroom. It was a perfect read aloud for my science unit. I also used the topic for a writing workshop afterward. I highly recommend this story for the classroom and school libraries.
Ages 5 and up
40 Pages